The Buggbuddys guide to non-sand based playgrounds in Perth! The ultimate guide to the best playgrounds and parks with no sand in Perth! Kids love burning off energy at parks and playgrounds, and Perth’s got some of the best in the world. Best of all, playgrounds are FREE!
What is great about non-sand playgrounds?
Not all kids love sand, just as not all parents and carers may not love it either. Sometimes it’s a sensory preference. Sometimes it’s that you don’t want your toddler constantly trying to eat the sand. And sometimes it’s just that you don’t want to feel like you’re cleaning half a sandpit out of your car or your kids shoes. 😛
In addition, we’ve added details of where playgrounds are close to local coffee shops, cafes and restaurants. Therefore you can grab a bite to eat before or after your play, or grab a takeaway coffee on the way. Don’t forget your reusable coffee mug! 😉
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Ashfield Reserve Play Space Ashfield Reserve Play Space in Perth’s eastern suburbs is a hidden gem. Sharing the parkland with Ashfield Oval, this spot has something for all ages. We dropped in for a play during school holidays to burn off some energy. This was a great spot for it, too! Miss 5 enjoyed that there is lots to climb at Ashfield Reserve Play Space. This playground is packed with climbing ropes, climbing walls and ladders. The rope web was a particular favourite. The playground also features a curly slide and two regular slides, a wobbly bridge, and a Read more…
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On the eastern side of Hyde Park, near the corner of Glendower Street and William Street, you’ll find the upgraded Hyde Park East Playground – a compact but exciting play space built around a ninja-style rope course. This modern setup is designed to test strength, balance, climbing and jumping skills, and is suitable for a wide age range – from confident toddlers right through to older kids and even adults who want to join in. The main feature of the Playground is the intricate rope course set over soft-fall rubber flooring, providing extra safety and comfort underfoot. The structure includes Read more…
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Taarak Park in Allara Estate, Eglinton, is a much-loved local favourite for northern suburbs families, especially those with energetic kids who love to climb and explore. Set within a growing residential area, the park has a modern, vibrant feel and plenty of equipment to keep a mix of ages entertained, all wrapped around a striking central play tower. The star of the park is that tall play tower, which immediately grabs kids’ attention. It’s packed with fun elements such as bridges, tunnels, climbing nets and ropes, and the all-important slides that send children zooming back down to the ground. The Read more…
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Fee fi fo fum… a giant-themed adventure awaits families at Giant Park in Bushmead. Tucked away in the leafy foothills just minutes from Midland and Kalamunda, this neighbourhood Playground packs in loads of imaginative play, climbing challenges and open space for kids to burn off energy. The first thing little ones will notice is the playful giant theme woven through the park. Kids can go on a “giant hunt”, spotting oversized footprints, noses, eyes, toes and other body parts cleverly hidden around the space. It’s a fun prompt for imaginative games and storytelling, and makes the park feel a bit Read more…
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Tucked into the north‑west corner of Leatherback Oval in Alkimos Beach, the Bike Safety Course is a fantastic little spot for kids to learn road rules in a fun, low‑pressure way. Designed as a miniature version of Perth’s streets, it’s perfect for children on bikes, balance bikes, trikes or scooters, and especially handy for kids who are just getting confident to ride beyond the backyard. The course is laid out as a realistic road network with a two‑way path, zebra crossings, roundabouts and plenty of signs, including Stop and Give Way, just like they’ll see on real roads. There are Read more…
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Heading to Collie to checkout the AMAZING Wellington Dam wall mural? Well, you may also find yourself in the town itself, looking for a bite to eat, or place for the kids to play. Collie’s Central Park and Water Play Space is a fab spot for children to roam and explore the many mini blue hills and bumps. The playground features both soft fall and nature play areas – packing a lot into a relatively small area. There are spinners, rope bridges, a nest swing, and more, with much of the equipment found under shade sails. And there’s also this Read more…
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If you’ve ducked into Woolies at the Banksia Grove Shopping Centre recently, you’ll have probably noticed a new play area near the entrance. The bright and colourful play space has something to amuse most kids. The first thing we noticed was the slide. The ladder for this is built inside what looks like colourful metal crates. There is a rope net in the bottom and mid-level to climb over to get to the ladder. Littler children may need some assistance to climb up, as we found Miss 3.5 did. Our friend’s 12 year old daughter helped her and made sure Read more…
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Tucked within the leafy Byford on the Scarp estate, Ridge Park Byford stretches over 1.7 hectares and feels wonderfully “bushy” despite being in the suburbs. Mature trees, big open lawns and two separate Playground areas make this a great destination for families with kids of different ages, especially if you’ve got both little toddlers and more adventurous big kids to keep happy. The lower Playground, accessed from Military Pass, is ideal for younger children. The centrepiece is an adorable train-themed play structure made up of several “carriages”, each with its own style of imaginative play. Toddlers can “drive” the train Read more…
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Meadow Springs Quarry Adventure Park is one of those parks that looks fairly “normal” from the street… until you start walking. What begins as a leafy, family-friendly reserve quickly reveals its real personality: an adventure Playground built into the levels of an old quarry, with play spaces that tumble down the slope and keep confident climbers busy for ages. Up top, the park feels like a classic picnic-and-play setup, with wide lawns, plenty of trees, and a Playground that suits younger kids well. This is where you’ll find the more traditional equipment and a separate toddler-friendly play space mentioned, making Read more…
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Tucked within Ariella Estate in Brabham, Ariella Adventure Park is a fantastic destination for kids who love to climb, explore and play outdoors. The star of the park is the bright dragonfly-themed play structure, which instantly grabs little ones’ attention as you arrive. The dragonfly’s body is made up of two large rope climbing frames joined by a bridge, leading to a tall enclosed slide that offers a good, speedy ride down. Confident climbers will love making their way right up to the top, traversing across the ropes and then racing each other down the slide again and again. Around Read more…
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Just off Ocean Reef Road, there’s a fantastic playground found at Edgewater Park in Edgewater! There’s many fun elements to this playground including a traditional play structure and a little nature play too. And good news if you’ve just cleaned your car… there’s no sand! Found next to the Edgewater Shopping Centre, there’s plenty of parking and facilities here. The IGA makes it handy to grab a drink or snack to enjoy in the park. The dual metal slide is perfect for racing a friend! It’s quite fast, surrounded by soft fall, making it easy to scramble up the slope Read more…
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The new Tomato Lake all-abilities playground has opened and it appears to be a big hit as it was very busy when we visited. The playground is in front between the cafe and the bbq picnic area. The bbq area has also been refreshed with new picnic tables. The playground has been designed to suit toddlers through to older kids, including those with disabilities. It is bright and colourful with soft fall base The playground features an inclusive seesaw, which is the only one of its kind in WA. There are a number of bench seats along the car park Read more…
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Looking for a fresh spot to burn off energy with the kiddos? We checked out the new $9 million Duncraig Adventure Hub at Percy Doyle Reserve with Miss 9 and Master 11, and it’s a big hit! This vibrant community space sits right next to the Duncraig Library, making it ideal for a play-and-library combo. The mega playground has two distinct zones Sensory Monsters Playground and The Lotterywest Bike and Skate Hubs. The brightly coloured Sensory Monsters Playground adds an inclusive touch, offering textures, so many climbing elements and imaginative play for younger kids and sensory seekers. There’s a few Read more…
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Need to do groceries? Kids need a play? Combine them both at Forrestfield Forum. The Junction is the new community space at Forrestfield Forum and includes a nature playground and alfresco area. The play area is under shade sale and partly fenced along the side that is close to the car park. The whole area is on soft fall rubber. There are benches around the area. There are a number of play areas including balancing logs, climbing frame and a fort with fireman’s pole and slide. There is also a bouncy rabbit and a spinning top. You could grab a Read more…
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Willespie Park is a great little playground located in Pearsall, the playground isn’t fenced but is situated away from any roads. Willespie Park includes a good sized playground with equipment to suit a range of children. Unfortunately, the playground isn’t shaded so bring along sunscreen and a hat. The play equipment includes a tall corkscrew slide, a smaller wavy slide, noughts and crosses, a coloured ball Abacus, crawling tunnel, monkey bars, flying fox, balancing beam, ladders and a wooden bridge. Rubber softfall flooring is around the playground, perfect for any little falls and means no sand in shoes! There is Read more…
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Located within the Beachside precinct of Capricorn Yanchep, Campground Adventure Park is a hillside Playground with a real “holiday park” feel. Set on the former Club Capricorn Resort camping ground, it makes the most of the natural slope and mature trees, and has been cleverly designed with nostalgic touches that parents will appreciate as much as the kids. The first thing you’ll notice is the retro caravan theme. A large picnic shelter shaped like an old-school caravan sits near the main play area, giving the park a fun, quirky character. In the toddler zone, a smaller open caravan structure continues Read more…
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Perth is now home to an epic new seven‑kilometre “Long Park” that runs beneath the elevated Metronet Armadale train line from Carlisle Station through to Beckenham. What was once an underused corridor has been transformed into 14 vibrant community spaces, linking four new Playgrounds, a nature play area, youth plazas, skate and scooter zones, fitness equipment, courts, dog parks, BBQ spots and picnic areas, all connected by walking and cycling paths and Perth’s longest public art trail. It’s a brilliant spot for families to explore in stages or tackle in one big adventure, and it feels like something new to Read more…
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Mardalup Playground is a popular location in East Perth for family picnics as it’s right on the banks of the Swan River, opposite Optus Stadium. Mardalup is a Nyungar term meaning ‘place of small marsupial’. The playground is on a soft fall surfaces, making it great for toddlers and kids of all ages, though with the river being so close, be mindful of toddlers playing in the area. The play area is only partially fenced. The main piece of equipment is a large metal structure which has a curvy slide with steps, ropes and ladders to climb. It’s great for older children. There’s lots of other Read more…
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Tucked off Montreal Street, Booyeembara Park is one of those Fremantle gems that feels bigger once you’re actually inside it. It’s a wide, open stretch of parkland with bushy edges, walking circuits and a central man‑made lake that gives the whole space a calm, “exhale” vibe—great when you want to get the kids outdoors without committing to a full day trip. The Playground here is small but memorable, and it suits older kids best. The standout is the quirky five‑way swing set, designed for ages 6–12. It’s a fun, social piece of equipment that feels a bit different to your Read more…
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Sometimes small parks deliver a big play and this is the case at Copley Reserve Belmont. We recently stumbled across this small park which is located near the shops on Kooyong Rd Belmont. Copley Reserve Belmont is very much part of the community as the park has a small community garden at the edge and the pathways lead through housing to further grassed areas and benches. The park features a nature playground that has been set up using a lovely fig tree as natural shade. Most of the playground is woodchip style base except for the sand area with two Read more…
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Wow! If your kids are into riding bikes – whatever age they are, John Dunn Challenge Park in Kelmscott is amazing. There are four bike tracks, plus a trainer track, mini track, intermediate track and advanced track – meaning there is a level to suit everyone here. The bike challenge park caters for all things on two wheels – specifically mountain bikes and BMXs. If your kiddos love to ride their bike, be sure to bring them here. The John Dunn Challenge Park is ideal for little ones on balance bikes and training wheels, right up to experienced teens and Read more…
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Tucked behind the Victoria Park Library, John MacMillan Park is a brilliant little green hub that combines nature play, community events and plenty of open space. The park offers a welcoming mix of shady trees, clever play zones and amenities that make it easy for families to linger. The nature Playground blends beautifully with the mature trees, using mostly wooden structures with both natural shade and shade sails overhead. The play areas are broken up into smaller “pockets” linked by pathways, so kids can wander from one activity to the next while adults keep an eye on them from nearby Read more…
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Treetop Park is a gorgeous neighbourhood Playground tucked away amongst the trees in the Bushmead estate, in Perth’s foothills. Opened in late 2023, this compact but thoughtfully designed park is perfect for kids who love to climb, explore and feel like they’re playing up in the canopy. Set amongst mature trees, it has a lovely natural feel and plenty of shade, making it a great spot for a relaxed playdate or a low-key weekend adventure. The hero of the Playground is the impressive 6‑metre timber tower, complete with bridge walk and enclosed tube slide, designed to give kids the thrill Read more…
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Calling all parkour lovers of all ages, this park is for you! The Scramble, located at Omodeo Vista, Hammond Park, features a variety of parkour-style climbing equipment for your ultimate parkour challenge! Parkour is a kind of activity or sport that requires you to move quickly through an environment from Point A to B by running, jumping, climbing, and rolling. This parkour obstacle course consists of multiple climbing blocks, stairs, balance beams, and pull-up bars of various heights. Missy 9 and Missy 6 could quite easily get up on them and try out different manoeuvres, like walking on the beams Read more…
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Walyalup Koort Play Space is a vibrant inner-city Playground in the very heart of Fremantle, set within the redeveloped Kings Square precinct now known as Walyalup Koort. Inspired by Freo’s industrial and maritime history, the design cleverly weaves in miniature cranes, bridges, railway tracks and shipping containers, softened with trees, water elements and plenty of colour. It’s a fun, busy space that suits toddlers through to primary school-aged children, and makes a brilliant stop on a family day out in Fremantle. The main crane-themed fort is the first thing most kids run to. It features climbing opportunities, platforms to explore Read more…
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Margaret River Skate Park and Youth Precinct is a must-visit stop for families holidaying in the South West, especially if your kids love anything with wheels. Tucked just off Walcliffe Road, this modern, multi-million dollar facility brings together skating, scooting, BMX, parkour and nature play in one big, buzzing community space. It’s completely free to use, making it an easy add-on to any day exploring Margaret River. The concrete skate park is impressive, catering for everyone from wobbly beginners to confident, advanced riders. There are plenty of banks, steps, ramps and rails spread across the park so kids can gradually Read more…
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Gibbon Park, Mosman Park Gibbon Park is the latest nature playground in Mosman Park. This park includes a mix of nature play elements and traditional play equipment that’s sure to satisfy active children! On arriving Miss 6 raced straight for the traditional play equipment first. What kid can resist a slide? This part of the playground is covered with shade sails, has a soft fall rubber base and is surrounded by grass. Great if you’re not a fan of sand. This playground appears to have been installed in 2012. It features climbing ropes, climbing walls, a tunnel and slide, Read more…
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Tuckfield Oval is a brilliant spot for families looking for a Playground with a view. Perched high above the Swan River and Fremantle’s busy port, this hillside park in East Fremantle combines big climbing challenges with natural play elements and wide‑open grass – plus you’re just a short stroll from the famous rainbow shipping containers and the George Street café strip. The main drawcard is the huge rope climbing structure, which immediately appeals to confident climbers and school‑aged kids. It’s the kind of piece that invites them to scramble, hang, balance and test their limits, and the elevated position means Read more…
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Tucked within the Piara Waters development, Explorer Park is a bright, compact and very active little Playground that’s ideal for families who love to be outdoors and on the move. Located at the opposite end of the reserve from the popular Madox Playground and Pump Track, this park works perfectly as part of a longer play outing, or as a handy local spot to burn off energy after school. The Playground itself may be small, but it’s cleverly designed and packed with things to climb, jump and bounce on. One of the standout features is the wavy climbing wall, which Read more…
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Currambine Central Shopping Centre has unveiled an exciting new playground! This vibrant play area is covered by shade sails and features soft-fall surfacing, ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for kids to have a blast. From the captivating honeycomb slide to the thrilling busy bee flying fox, there’s a wide range of entertaining attractions to keep the little ones engaged. Young adventurers can also take on the challenge of climbing the giant watermelon, adding an extra element of excitement to their playtime. Adding to the charm, the playground includes two adorable rockers named Lily the Ladybug and Betsy the Bumblebee. Read more…
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Tucked away in the heart of Gosnells, amongst 22 hectares of wetlands at Mary Carroll Park, you’ll find an amazing all-abilities playground. This gem of a playground blends nature and learning, offering kids a fun and educational space to connect with the outdoors. Street parking and a small car park are available along Eudoria Street in Gosnells. The playground is fully fenced (a must if you have an escape artist like I do) with 2 entry/exit gates at either end. Toilets are located next to the carpark just outside of the fence, a good idea to make sure everyone goes Read more…
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Russell Square Playground features a free-standing birds-nest swing, two slides of different sizes, monkey bars, a balancing bridge, and a climbing. There is plenty to climb and bridges to run across,… as well as some grassed area next to the playground. The base is rubbery soft fall decorated with cute ladybugs. The playground isn’t fully fenced but it’s fenced enough to keep kids away from the busy Northbridge Streets. Based on the equipment, this playground would probably best suit toddlers and onwards. There isn’t a lot of shade over the playground. Depending on the time of day it may get Read more…
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At our weekly shop on Saturday we were very excited to see that Floreat Forum shopping centre has just opened a new playground in the outdoor area by the cafes/restaurants. Previously there had just been a couple of small things for toddlers to play on but now there is a proper playground complete with shade sails. Features of Floreat Forum playground include a little ‘café’ with a table and chairs and a counter, complete with prices on a board at the front. There are a couple of noughts and crosses games build in and the playground comes with a wobbly Read more…
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Leisure Park Playground near Yanchep Lagoon is a fantastic spot for families who enjoy a relaxed, coastal day out with plenty of play opportunities. It’s easy to combine a visit with a swim at the lagoon or a beach walk, making it well worth the drive for a full family day trip. The Playground itself has a laid-back, open layout that feels welcoming while still offering lots to do. It is not fenced, so you’ll need to keep a close eye on younger children, especially with nearby roads and the general openness of the area. Shade sails cover sections of Read more…
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Tucked into the Saw Avenue Picnic Area on the Subiaco side of Kings Park, Variety Place Playground is a brilliant all-ages nature Playground where kids can climb, balance, crawl and explore for hours. The space has been redeveloped with the support of Variety WA and the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority, with a strong focus on nature play and inclusive design so that children of all abilities can play side by side. Set amongst mature trees and open lawns, it’s a fantastic spot to let the kids burn off energy before enjoying a relaxed family picnic. The Playground is packed Read more…
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Thomas Moore Park in Wilson is the kind of local gem that makes family outings feel easy. Just under 20 minutes south of Perth, this upgraded park (redeveloped in June 2021) combines a bright, modern Playground with great sports facilities and all the practical extras parents hope to find, all in one convenient place. From the moment you arrive, it’s clear how well set up this park is for families. There’s a dedicated car park so you’re not battling for verge space, a water fountain to refill bottles, and clean public toilets complete with soap – such a bonus when Read more…
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Avondale Park in Mindarie is one of those quietly excellent Playgrounds that’s been doing its job well for years. It may not be the flashiest or most high-tech play space, but if you value shade, space, and practical family-friendly design, this park definitely deserves a spot on your list. Located in a coastal suburb, Avondale Park is easy to combine with a bigger day out. You can start with a play at the park, then head to the nearby beach, or finish off with a coffee or meal at Sistas Mindarie at the Mindarie Marina, just a few minutes’ drive Read more…
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Revolution Park -previously Kinkuna Adventure Playground, sits at the heart of Allara Estate in Eglinton, forming part of the broader Revolution Park precinct. It’s a big, modern “super park” that blends adventure play, nature play and a fantastic seasonal water play area, making it an easy full‑day outing for families in Perth’s northern suburbs. The main drawcard is the impressive timber fort in the centre of the park. A series of large wooden towers are linked by ladders, climbing ropes, tunnels and rope bridges, with two slides of different sizes shooting off the structure. There are climbing walls and rope Read more…
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Avon Park in York, also known locally as Pioneer Avon Park, has been extensively redeveloped and is now one of the Avon Valley’s standout family Playground destinations. Set along the banks of the Avon River on Lowe Street, it combines a big, grassy riverside park with a brilliant nature play space, skate park and plenty of facilities, making it an ideal stop on a York day trip or overnighter. The nature-based Playground uses lots of timber, stone and natural elements, and there’s a good amount of shade from both trees and shelters. Families will find multiple sheltered picnic tables, free Read more…
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Curtis Park in Girrawheen is a lovely, naturally shaded neighbourhood park tucked between Curtis Way and Hatfield Way, just off Marangaroo Drive. With its mix of play equipment, climbing challenges, scooter-friendly paths and unique, life-sized maths board games, it’s a great spot for kids to burn off energy and sneak in some learning at the same time. The main Playground is bright and inviting, with three different slides to suit a range of ages and confidence levels – a straight slide, a curved slide and a fun corkscrew slide. The structure is spread over several levels and linked by ladders Read more…
